Here are 4 pitfalls to watch out for when estimating.

1. 4 Pitfalls of
Estimating

2. According to the PMI
Practice Standard for
Project Estimating…

3. When you
estimate,
watch out for:

4. 1. Not allocating
enough time

5. It takes time to
estimate
properly
Allow enough time to plan
your estimating work

6. 2. Not managing
expectations

7. Estimates evolve
over time
Talk to your stakeholders
about confidence levels and
when they can expect more
accurate estimates

8. 3. Specific doesn’t
mean accurate!

9. Provide ranges
Round up numbers or
provide early estimates as a
range to avoid being too
specific

10. 4. Being over-
optimistic

11. Be realistic
Don’t assume everything
will go perfectly; be realistic
about what you can achieve

12. 4 Pitfalls of
estimating:
• Not allocating enough time
• Not managing expectations
• Specific doesn’t mean accurate!
• Being over-optimistic

13. www.GirlsGuideToPM.com